info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac) (11/08/84)
From: Bill Havens <havens%ubc.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa> The University of British Columbia is exploring using Macintoshes for beginning instruction in Computer Science to replace dumb terminal access to a large timesharing system. Since many other groups are doing exactly the same thing, perhaps they could comment on their experience (so far). In particular, what are your answers to the following kinds of questions: 1) How many students can be serviced by a single Mac per 8-hour shift? We have little feel for the throughput of the Mac for beginners. Is it less or more efficient than timesharing? 2) What security provisions are necessary to protect the Macs? Have you had (or expect) problems with stealing mice, KBs, etc? Is the Apple bicycle type chain worthwhile? Do you need a live security person (instructor) to watch the lab? 3) What is a good physical format for a Mac Laboratory? A lecture environment with a Mac on each desk or a traditional dimly lighted hacking den? 4) How can access to the machines be controlled? Is permission to use a Mac granted by a supervisor, by holding a sony disk, or by some sort of network login ID? 5) What sort of network connections are being used or anticipated? Is applenet a reality? What support will it provide for access to a central host? For downloading software and files? 6) We assume most sites are going to use MacPascal for instruction. What other educational software is planned or available? Has Apple announced leasing or other reasonable cost ways of making software available to students for instruction? Please respond to me directly and I will forward a digest back to info-mac if appropriate. Thank you for your help with these issues. Bill Havens... havens@ubc.CSNET havens%ubc.csnet@csnet-relay.ARPA